4/11/2021 – It isn't often one sees a game between top programs in which a queen is trapped in the middlegame, but just such a thing happened in a game shared by Peter Grayson. What stood out was how both programs differed on a key juncture, leading him to comment, "Fat Fritz 2 exhibits almost human-like qualities to threaten the snaring of the queen". Enjoy this fun tussle and his kind analysis. | Photo: National Portrait Gallery, London

4/10/2021 – In the diagram position, Black's strong knight on d5 controls many squares - but that is still not enough to withstand the force of White's attack. It's White to play - how would you attack Black's exposed king?

4/3/2021 – 26...Rxh4! in the diagam position was very strong, however, after 27.gxh4 Black failed to crown his combination and take the game home. Can you do better?

3/27/2021 – In the diagram position, White has just played 17.e5, attacking against Black's queen on f6 and Black's bishop on b7. The World Champion first defended cooly, but then blundered which allowed his opponent a spectacular finish. Enjoy!

3/22/2021 – In the diagram position, Black's rook and knight threaten White's exposed king. Time to bring up a third attacker - how?

3/13/2021 – In the diagram position 35.Rxg6+! wins for White - if White finds the right checks after 35...Kh7. Are you up to the challenge?

3/10/2021 – The ChessBase Magazine celebrates its anniversary! On the occasion of issue # 200, published at the beginning of March, we are presenting highlights from the many regular columns of the ChessBase Magazine. A good way to get better and to win more games is to solve tactical puzzles regularly. And in each issue of the CBM, Oliver Reeh leads you through a series of training puzzles - from simple to super-advanced tasks - and presents his personal favourites in interactive Fritztrainer videos. Take part, improve your tactics, and enjoy!

3/6/2021 – In the diagram position, Black's rook on h4 is cut off from the rest of the army, and after 21.Bg5 a rescue operation is needed. But what could that be?

2/27/2021 – In the diagram position, White started to expose the central enemy king with 43.c5! dxc5 44.Rxc5 a3 - can you take things to victory from there?

2/19/2021 – In the diagram position, White's line-up of major pieces on the kingside makes one eager to strike. 23.hxg6 or 23.g5 - how would you continue the attack?

2/12/2021 – In the diagram position it is White to move and he is in big trouble: his king is exposed, Black's white-squared bishop rules on the diagonal a8-h1, and the black pawn on h3 can turn nasty. White played 29.Qf2 which allowed Black to hunt down White's king. How did Black finish the game?

2/5/2021 – White's 8.Nh3?? in the diagram position (which according to the Mega Database occurred in the first recorded game that started with the moves 1.e4 Nf6) allowed Napoleon to finish in style - don't hold your horses!

1/29/2021 – In the diagram position White is three pawns up and just played 45.Qf7+. Things look fine for White but the position is not that simple. After 45...Ng7 White played 46.Be3?? and now Black had a chance to strike. What did he do?

1/22/2021 – Yes, White's king is on f4! Which Black could have exploited. But this was a rapid game, and in time-pressure Magnus Carlsen, who was playing with Black against Ian Nepomniachtchi, did not find the win. Can you do better?

1/15/2021 – In the diagram position White just played 21.Nf6+!, which gives him a winning attack. There are some most beautiful variations to discover, the highlight being a checkmate in ... 14! Enjoy!

1/8/2021 – In the diagram position White develops a powerful initiative with 12.Rb5! This play on the wing finally allowed White to score. Enjoy!

1/1/2021 – In the diagram position White has to decide how to proceed after Black took on d4. A long-term strategic decision ... or isn't it? Enjoy!

12/26/2020 – In the diagram position Black just played 45...Rxc5 and now White has a tricky choice: he can play 46.Qxc5, 46.Qxf7+ or 46.Rxf7+. What would you do?

12/18/2020 – In the diagram position, Black wants to play a5-a4 to harass the knight on b3 - a threat, which White decided to ignore with 7.c4?. Why does this move deserve a question mark?

12/11/2020 – In the diagram position, White hit on a stunning attacking idea, based on the powerful position of his queen on d4. Creativity counts - your call!

12/4/2020 – Black's position in the diagram is a horror, and his attempt to safeguard the hanging bishop d6 with the 'active' 21...Sc4 only accelerates the end - if you know what to do with White!

11/27/2020 – In the diagram position, White had just played 32.Qd4+, after which Black decided to take the pawn on g6 and played 32...Kxg6??. However, that was a mistake which allowed White to unleash a powerful mating attack. How did White continue after 32...Kxg6?? - and can you calculate the lines in your head?

11/20/2020 – Objectively, the diagram position in which Black is to move, might be equal but it is certainly tricky and complicated. Therefore, Black should find a good and powerful move - Richard Rapport was up to the task. How about you?

11/13/2020 – In the diagram position, Black can use mate motifs to achieve perfect coordination of his few remaining pieces. Spot Black's three power moves - and leave White no chance!